Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving serious comfort with a punch of flavor, Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken promises to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine perfectly al dente noodles tangled up in a glossy, garlicky sauce and topped with juicy, caramelized chicken, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds. This dish is proof that you don’t need a long, complicated ingredient list to whip up something unforgettable. Whether it’s a quick family dinner or you’re wowing friends, Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of recipe everyone will want seconds (or thirds) of.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of staple ingredients, each item here does some heavy lifting! Every choice adds depth, richness, or fresh color to your bowl, making Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken irresistible with minimal effort.

• Spaghetti or Yakisoba Noodles (12 oz): Choose whichever noodle you crave, both soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 ½ pounds): Thighs are juicier, but breasts bring a leaner bite—go with your favorite cut!
• Teriyaki Sauce (1/3 cup): This provides the signature sweet and savory glaze for the chicken; homemade or store-bought both shine here.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the chicken juicy with a light, flavorful sear.
• Garlic, Minced (4 cloves): The heart and soul of these noodles—don’t skimp!
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich silkiness to the noodles and makes the garlic pop.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers that deep, umami backbone and glossy texture.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): For salty depth and classic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the sauces and brings out the caramel notes in the chicken.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a little infuses the whole dish with a fragrant, nutty aroma.
• Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Essential for finishing—these add crunch and a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil and cook your noodles according to the package instructions. You want them just shy of fully tender since they’ll finish in the skillet. Once ready, drain thoroughly and set aside while you turn your attention to the star of the show—the chicken.

Step 2: Sear and Glaze the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly season your chicken with salt and pepper for a simple, savory base. Sear each piece for about 5–6 minutes per side, letting the surface caramelize until golden. During those last few minutes, brush on the teriyaki sauce: the sugars will bubble and create that gorgeous, sticky glaze. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you build the garlic noodles.

Step 3: Build the Garlicky Sauce

Reduce your skillet to medium-low. Melt butter right in those savory chicken drippings, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant and golden. Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The kitchen will smell magical, and the sauce should start to look thick and glossy, ready to coat every noodle.

Step 4: Toss Noodles in Sauce

Add your cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with tongs until each strand is slick and shimmery with sauce. Keep things moving so nothing sticks; the noodles should soak up all that garlicky, umami-packed goodness. Don’t hesitate to give them an extra toss or a splash of noodle water if they look too dry.

Step 5: Slice and Serve with Chicken

Slice your rested chicken into strips or bite-size pieces and either pile them right on top of the noodles or toss them through the skillet so all the flavors mingle. Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken deserves a grand finish, so don’t forget that final flourish of green onions and sesame seeds before serving!

How to Serve Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkling of chopped green onions adds fresh zing, while toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch. For extra sparkle, try a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce or a little chili crisp if you love heat. These little touches make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken look restaurant-worthy and taste even better.

Side Dishes

This bowl is pretty complete, but sides can round out your meal beautifully. I love adding simple stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for color and crunch. A cool cucumber salad or quick-pickled radish would bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory noodles and chicken. Even a steaming bowl of miso soup feels right at home here.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl the noodles into nests with tongs and top each serving with sliced chicken, a sprinkle of scallion, and a few sesame seeds. Serve everything family-style for a crowd or pack the noodles and chicken into individual lunch bowls for meal prep you’ll be excited about. You can even thread the sliced chicken onto skewers for a fun, street-food vibe—perfect for parties or kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Cool everything to room temperature, then pop the Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for a crave-worthy quick lunch or dinner—all it needs is a quick warm-up to taste just as great as freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, keep the chicken and noodles separate for best textures. Wrap each in individual airtight containers before placing in the freezer, where they’ll be happy for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so that everything stays juicy and saucy.

Reheating

To revive your Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken, reheat the noodles and chicken together in a skillet with a splash of water or an extra spoonful of teriyaki sauce over medium-low heat. For maximum juiciness, cover the pan as they warm through. Microwaving works too, especially for lunches on the go—just stir midway so everything’s evenly hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Spaghetti, yakisoba, ramen, or even lo mein noodles work great. Soba noodles or rice noodles are tasty gluten-free options, and each brings its own unique texture and personality to the dish.

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

Both boneless, skinless thighs and breasts are delicious choices—the thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts are leaner and still soak up the teriyaki glazing beautifully. Go with your favorite, or mix both for variety!

Can I make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or quick-seared mushrooms. For the sauce, use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and hoisin for a plant-based spin that’s still deeply flavorful.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Just use a plant-based butter instead of regular unsalted butter and double-check your teriyaki sauce for hidden dairy. The rest of the ingredients are dairy-free, making this an easy swap for those with dietary needs.

Can I add vegetables directly into the dish?

Yes! Stir-fried veggies like broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snap peas are perfect additions. Simply stir-fry them in the pan after the chicken, just before making the garlic sauce, and everything can cook together for a heartier, more colorful one-pan meal.

Final Thoughts

With its luscious sauce, irresistible aroma, and sweet-savory chicken, Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken is pure comfort in a bowl. You’ll be amazed at how easy and fun this recipe is, whether you make it for family or to treat yourself to something special. Give it a try soon—you just might find it’s your new go-to dinner favorite!

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